Solid stick compositions comprising vinyl ester

A solid stick composition comprising:

• a) from about 35 to about 65 weight percent vinyl ester resin, wherein the vinyl ester resin is selected from the group consisting of a vinyl polyester resin, a vinyl ester resin, a bisphenol vinyl ester resin, an epoxy vinyl ester resin, a bispenol epoxy vinyl ester resin, an epoxy novolac-based vinyl ester resin, and brominated bispenol epoxy vinyl ester resin;
• b) from about 35 to about 65 weight percent solid lubricant, wherein the solid lubricant is selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, graphite, boron nitride, boric acid, aluminum stearate, zinc stearate, coal dust, and a mixture thereof;
• and
• c) from 0 to about 40 weight percent friction modifier,
• wherein the solid stick composition is characterized as having an average hardness of between 82-88 as determined using a D-Type Durometer and ASTM D 2240 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness.

A method of controlling friction between a metal surface and a second metal surface by applying a solid stick composition to one or more than one of the metal surfaces, the solid stick composition comprising:

• a) from 20 to 80 weight percent epoxy vinyl ester resin;
• b) from 1 to 80 weight percent solid lubricant, wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, graphite, boron nitride, boric acid, aluminum stearate, zinc stearate, coal dust, and a mixture thereof;
• and
• c) from 0 to 40 weight percent friction modifier.

A method of reducing lateral force in a rail system comprising applying a solid stick composition onto a wheel or rail surface, the solid stick composition comprising:

• a) from 20 to 80 weight percent epoxy vinyl ester resin;
• b) from 1 to 80 weight percent solid lubricant, wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, graphite, boron nitride, boric acid, aluminum stearate, zinc stearate, coal dust, and a mixture thereof;
• and
• c) from 0 to 40 weight percent friction modifier.